Dal Lake houseboat life, Mughal gardens, Gulmarg's alpine meadows with Himalayan views, and the Betab Valley's mountain serenity.
Tour Highlights
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Day by Day Itinerary
On arrival in Srinagar you will be met and transferred to your luxury houseboat. Late afternoon you can enjoy your beautiful surroundings with a Shikara ride on Dal Lake. From the open lake, where uninterrupted views stretch away beyond the wooden houseboats and forested foothills to the snow-capped peaks beyond, you'll drift silently into the narrow waterways. This is the world of the Kashmiris, where you will pass floating gardens, where women in colourful salwar kameez and traditional headscarves tend their vegetables. On this one-hour shikara ride, you'll float by small wooden homes, bakeries, shops, rose gardens and honey sellers. You'll weave your way through narrow avenues of willows, passing locals in plain wooden shikaras, bringing vegetables back from the market.
Wake up with the sun and soak up spectacular sunrise views from the deck of your houseboat as you enjoy a fresh breakfast. You will then set off on a guided heritage walk through Old Srinagar, a fascinating place where various rulers have left their mark. Walk through the narrow streets, stopping off at forts, mosques, temples and tombs in the company of an expert guide who will give you a detailed insight into the city's culture and history. Then spend time wandering around the local bazaar, home to spices and souvenirs, copper craftsmen and carpet workshops, where you can meet with locals and soak up daily life. After enjoying a traditional Kashmiri lunch at a local restaurant, climb up to Shankaracharya temple for some breathtaking views across the valley, before returning to the houseboat for an afternoon at leisure.
After enjoying an early morning cup of hot chai, board a shikara boat and set off for the floating vegetable and flower market. Here you can paddle around and watch the locals at work as they buy and sell their goods, a beautiful and colourful sight on the lake. Be sure to pick up some snacks, especially the macaroons which are very tasty! Return to your houseboat for breakfast and a leisurely morning, before heading out this afternoon to explore the Moghul gardens. First you will visit the Shalimar Gardens, the most famous of all Kashmir's Moghul Gardens, where you can enjoy a walk among the fountains, flower beds and mighty chinar trees, to the black marble pavilion. From here, continue around the lake to the Nishat Gardens and visit the garden at Chashma Shahi, meaning royal spring, before finishing the tour at the impressive Pari Mahal, or Palace of Fairies. This is one of the most impressive sites in Srinagar, where you can soak up stunning views of the lakes from this unique eight-tired stone-arched construction.
Enjoy a slow morning before transferring to the stunning Karan Mahal estate. First constructed in the 1920s, Karan Mahal was once the residence of the Crown Prince of Jammu and Kashmir — Dr. Karan Singh, the son of Maharaja Hari Singh. Due to Dr. Karan Singh's subsequent appointment as Governor and Head of State, the estate has witnessed many significant political and social events. Recently restored by the royal family of Jammu and Kashmir, the property's elegant interiors include handwoven Kashmiri carpets, handcrafted wooden ceilings, and an endless collection of stunning historical artefacts. These luxurious interiors are complemented by extensive gardens and orchards, framed by spectacular views of the nearby lakes and mountains. Soak up the atmosphere of a bygone era, as you taste age-old recipes, listen to Kashmiri folk songs, and enjoy the very best of Kashmiri hospitality.
Today is dedicated to Kashmir's sublime natural beauty as you set off for the Aru Valley — a lush valley nestled deep in the Himalayas next to the Lidder River. Soak up the scenery as you drive past paddy fields and fields of saffron, eventually reaching the hill station town of Pahalgam, leading on to Aru Valley itself. Here you embark on a stunning 3-hour hike through the valley and hills, stopping at a special viewpoint to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. In the afternoon, return to Srinagar, stopping en route to visit the Hindu temple at Avantipur, where you can admire the impressive 8th century ruins. This is a long but very rewarding day, taking you away from the busier areas and deep into the peaceful Himalayan landscape.
Enjoy another leisurely morning on the estate, or do some exploring independently and go in search of those well-earned souvenirs. This afternoon your water adventures continue as you journey from Dal Lake to Manasbal Lake. Again boarding a shikara, you will float down the famous river Jhelum and enter Manasbal Lake, which is famous for its water lilies and lotus flowers.
Set off today for the wonderful mountain village of Sonamarg, stopping en route to visit the 8th century Shiva temple complex of Naranag. Continue on to the camp, located in the foothills of the mighty Himalaya, where you can settle into your beautiful tent and enjoy a delicious lunch. The tents are well-equipped with proper beds and mattresses, Kashmiri carpets, basic en suite toilet and washing facilities, and wonderful large windows to allow you to take in your stunning surroundings. After relaxing at the camp this afternoon, you can then embark on a nature walk around the surrounding area. This evening you will then be served a delicious dinner as you sit around the fire and enjoy some spectacular star-gazing.
Return to Srinagar and spend the afternoon independently exploring any remaining sights or shopping for Kashmiri crafts — pashmina shawls, carpets, papier-mâché items and saffron.
Morning flight from Srinagar to Delhi. Free afternoon in Delhi.
After breakfast the tour concludes. Airport transfers can be arranged.
About This Journey
Experience the paradise valley of Kashmir — its Mughal gardens, floating markets, mountain valleys and traditional houseboat life on the legendary Dal Lake. This tailor-made journey takes you from the moment you arrive in Srinagar onto a luxury houseboat on Dal Lake, exploring the city’s Mughal gardens, Old Town mosques and the floating market, before venturing to the highland village of Pahalgam for mountain walks in the Aru Valley, and crossing to the high mountain camp at Sonamarg.
Highlights
Stay aboard the luxurious Sukoon Houseboat on Dal Lake, widely regarded as one of the finest houseboats in Kashmir. Explore the beautiful Mughal Gardens of Shalimar and Nishat Bagh. Experience the extraordinary floating market on Dal Lake at dawn. Walk through the Aru Valley near Pahalgam with its alpine meadows and mountain scenery. Visit the 8th-century Shiva temple ruins at Avantipura.
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Accommodation Used On This Tour
Sukoon Houseboat
Opened in April 2013, the former Neil Armstrong houseboat is easily the most luxurious on either lake. Owned and run by Altaf Chapri, the place oozes style and charm. Situated on the western bank of Dal Lake with uninterrupted views of the lake's shimmering waters, it consists of 5 beautiful rooms with two members of staff per room and a wonderful French-trained chef.
Grand Dragon
The finest hotel in Leh, the Grand Dragon is a family-run property that has grown with Ladakh's tourism over three decades. Its rooms combine traditional Ladakhi woodwork with modern comforts, its restaurant serves excellent Ladakhi and Indian cuisine, and its central heating makes it one of few properties comfortable in all seasons at 3,500 metres.
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. Please refer to the detailed itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
Where You Stay
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
June to September is the ideal window for Ladakh and the high Himalaya, when the passes are open and the weather is stable. Kashmir is beautiful from April to October, with October offering the famous chinar autumn colours. Winter travel is possible to Kashmir but the high passes close.
Parts of this itinerary reach significant altitude. We build in acclimatisation days with gentle activity, and our guides are experienced in recognising and managing altitude symptoms. Travellers with heart or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before booking.
Yes — the tourist areas covered by this itinerary have an excellent safety record and are well accustomed to international visitors. We monitor conditions continuously and our local teams provide 24/7 support throughout.
Absolutely. This is an example itinerary and every element — hotels, duration, route and activities — can be tailored to your preferences and budget. Contact us to discuss your ideal journey.
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